A Blast From The Past: Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons was born in Melbourne, Austrailia. Quite the travel for someone who dreamed to go to the NBA. Simmons would eventually move from Austrailia to Montverde, Florida. He would then attend Montverde high school where he would choose to go to LSU over Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky. What ended up being the end game factor for Simmons was the fact that his godfather David Patrick, was LSU's assistant coach, Patrick had a very close relationship with Ben's father Dave Simmons.

Simmons went onto play only one season at LSU, where he averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. One thing about Simmons game is that he wasn't a shooter, but was incredible at almost everything else. His perimeter defense and interior defense was undeniably insane, while being a great passer, and a good close scorer while having great size and moving pretty fast for someone his size. Simmons would lead LSU to a 19-14 record and unfortunately miss the playoffs. After Simmons dominate season, he would declare for the NBA draft.

Ben Simmons came to Philadelphia as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft with massive expectations. While injuries delayed his debut, Simmons quickly showed why the 76ers believed he could become the face of the franchise. In his first season, Simmons averaged 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists, winning NBA Rookie of the Year and earning All-Rookie First Team honors. Simmons continued to develop into one of the NBA's most versatile players. He became a three-time All-Star from 2019-2021, earned All-NBA Third Team honors in 2020, and was named to the All-Defensive First Team twice. He also led the NBA in steals during the 2019-20 season.

During his time in Philadelphia, Simmons helped the Sixers reach the playoffs four consecutive times and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals three times.

Despite all of those accomplishments, Simmons' Philadelphia career is ultimately remembered with a sense of "what could have been." His talent and accolades were undeniable, but he never helped the Sixers reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

Philadelphia eventually traded Simmons to Brooklyn in February 2022, bringing an end to one of the more complicated chapters in recent Sixers history. In his prime, Ben Simmons was one of the best defenders in the entire league without a doubt. He has been in and out of the league now, having stints on the Nets, and the Clippers.

Simmons left the NBA for a little to go pro in fishing. He would go onto win a bunch of tournaments, but then would decide to go back to the NBA, and is currently on a 1 year deal with the Sacramento Kings to reinvent his career in the NBA.